Hard Hit (IceCats 3)

As I pull back, not far enough for our lips not to touch but enough to breathe, I open my eyes to meet hers. “I have something else to confess to you, Jaylin.”

Her lashes kiss her cheeks as she cups my jaw. “Should I put this down on the record? Or is it just between you and me?”

I grin, running my fingers along her collarbone. “On the record.”

“Oh, so it’s official?”

“Extremely.”

“Okay, what is it?”

My eyes get lost in hers; my body trembles with the need and want I have for her. My heart is going crazy in my chest, and with everything inside me, I proudly announce, “I’m falling for you. Hard.”

She takes in a sharp breath, her lips curving as she nods. Her eyes are a bit glossy as she leans forward, holding me close as her lips touch my bottom lip. She may say it in a whisper, but I know she means it. I know she feels it like I do.

“Same, Kirb. Same.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Jaylin

* * *

It’s been a long fucking day.

Actually, a long week.

Kirby’s season is in full swing, and he got tickets for me to the first home game. I’m actually really excited to go, not only because I get to go with Jean and Celeste but because I get to see Kirby kick ass live. I have no clue what is happening on the TV since I watch the games with Celeste and Jean and they don’t know anything about it, but it seems super cool. I find him extremely sexy when I see him play on TV. No telling how he’ll make me feel live. Probably over-the-top horny, but I’m ready. Thrilled.

Thankfully, Jean’s dad is doing better, and she’s back to working for Kirby full time. I love how comfortable she makes things for Celeste and Kirby. I know he stresses when he is gone, but Celeste is in such great hands, and I can’t seem to stay away anyway. If I don’t get my daily dose of Celeste, I’m bummed. I think that’s why I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Lilly doesn’t want to be in her life. I absolutely adore Celeste, love her, and she isn’t even my blood. I don’t understand it.

Unfortunately, Lilly didn’t show up for their court date. Kirby was pissed when the judge decided to give Lilly another chance to be in Celeste’s life. He believes a daughter needs her mother, no matter how wonderful the dad is or what she says through text. It’s bullshit in my opinion and in the opinion of everyone else too.

Kirby’s case is the talk of the office, and Feliciana is pissed. She is actually having dinner with the judge tonight, not that I can tell Kirby that, but I’m hopeful she will be able to sway him in Kirby and Celeste’s favor. We’ll see how it goes. Add in the fact that my mom has been riding me hard for dinner with Kirby, and I’m stressed. My dad didn’t get back to town until the middle of the week, so I got out of dinner for that Monday, much to my mother’s and Kirby’s dismay.

He really wants to meet them.

I think he was lying when he said he was falling for me. I think he already fell, and I may have too. Though, neither of us have said it, and I don’t think either of us will until I sleep in his bed overnight. It’s so frustrating. As much as I say I’m trying, I’m not really sure I am. As soon as Celeste goes to bed, Kirby and I make love, and then, after cleaning up, I leave. I am so frustrated with myself, and I know he’s reading into it. I want more, but I don’t know how. Maybe I should just jump right in. What could it hurt?

Could be fun.

I glance at the time and groan loudly. It’s almost eight, and I still haven’t left the office. I won’t be able to go to Kirby’s, which bums me out since I want to see him and Celeste. It’s as if he senses I’m thinking of him, because my phone goes off with his notification sound.

Kirby: Hey. Working?

Me: Yeah, unfortunately. I’m having difficulties with a contract, and I’m trying to find a way around one issue. I’m sorry. I miss you.

Kirby: Don’t apologize. You’ve got to work. I miss you more.

Me: I doubt it. What are you guys doing?

I watch the little text bubble, and when the text comes through, my heart stops dead in my chest.

Kirby: Standing in the lobby, staring at your gorgeous self, holding dinner and Celeste.

My lips curve as I look up, meeting his gaze. He’s carrying a bag from Southern Kitchen, a tray of drinks on the table next to him as Celeste bounces in his arms, opening and closing her palm in my direction. I don’t know why tears burn my eyes as I get up, ignoring my shoes, and walk out of my office. He comes toward me, grinning from ear to ear, looking so damn sexy. He has on a polo shirt with a pair of khaki shorts. His hair is combed to the side, and he hasn’t shaved today, so his jaw is dark with stubble. Celeste is wearing the sweetest little yellow dress with her hair pulled into a stubby pony on top of her head.